KARACHI, March 2: The 12th Tour de Pakistan International Cycle race will start from Mazar-i-Quaid on March 11 offering cash prizes worth rupees one million, according to a press release.

The 1934-kilometer 11-stage race will terminate at Qila Bala Hasar (Peshawar) after passing through major cities of Sindh, Punjab and NWFP.

This was announced at a press briefing by managing director Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) Munawar Baseer Ahmed who is also senior vice-president of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) at SSGC House.

He disclosed that teams from Germany, Iran and India would be featuring in the race along with Sindh, Punjab, NWFP, Balochistan and four departments Pakistan Army, Railways, SSGC and Wapda.

SSGC chief said confirmation from India was awaited but was confident that the cyclists would appear in the race. He said apart from the team event, individual championship would also be the part of the race and leaders of the race would be awarded yellow jerseys.